10 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Moving Cost

It's Top 10 Friday!!  And what could make a Friday better than some great tips on how to save money on your move?  Check out these great ideas and let us know if you think of more!  If you haven't checked out your price to move with MoveBuilder, getting a free moving estimate is easy!  Just call or click.  800-968-1276

1.  Move in the Fall/Winter.  The peak moving season is traditionally April through September— specifically the months when schools aren't in session.  If your schedule allows for flexibility, you'll typically find much better moving prices October through March, when demand decreases. 

2.  Move on an off-peak day.  Just like there are less expensive months to move, with MoveBuilder there are also less expensive days of the month to move.  With the exception of the days just before and following holidays, the best days to move are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the beginning/middle of the month. 

3.  Do your own packing, loading, unloading.  MoveBuilder offers the ability to select only the moving services you need.  So if you can do your own packing but need help loading and unloading…you save.  If you can do your own packing and loading, but need help unloading…you save.  You see my point.  If packing, loading and unloading are not necessary for your move, you can also choose U-Pack, ABF's self-moving service.  A definite money saver!

4.  Load and/or unload at the local ABF service center.  If yours is a small move, consider a terminal to terminal U-Pack move.  You can load your belongings at the ABF service center closest to your location then unload at the ABF service center closest to your destination.  You can also do a hybrid terminal move, where you only load or unload at one ABF service center and have the trailer or ReloCube delivered to your home at the other.  

5.  Use a moving coupon.  Enter MB50 for $50 off the cost of your MoveBuilder move!

6.  Purge before you pack.  Since the cost of your MoveBuilder move is based on the linear footage used in the moving trailer, the less you move, the less you pay.  You can see how it only makes sense to move what you'll use. 

7.  Have a moving sale.  While this is similar to "purge before you pack", it's even better.  With a moving sale, you get rid of things (saving money by saving space) and you make money!  A win, win.

8.  Choose estimated transit time instead of Guaranteed.  MoveBuilder Guaranteed is an exceptional service offering that's ideal for customers with time-sensitive shipments.  Like with guaranteed or expedited USPS shipments, we push your shipment through the system in front of "normal" estimated transit shipments.  And like any expedited or guaranteed shipment, you pay a little extra for the service.  If you have a flexible delivery day, you'll save money by selecting the default estimated transit time.    

9.  Keep your receipts.  You may be able to claim your move as a deduction at tax time! Check out this post on "Tax Deductible Moving Expenses" for more information.

10.  Reduce travel costs.  When you're moving long distance, your costs are more than just what you're paying the moving company.  You also have to consider fuel, lodging, transportation and food along the way.  Check out websites like priceline.com for discount hotel rates, gasbuddy.com for lowest gas prices and retailmenot.com for restaurant coupons.

If you need help with any of these money saving ideas, let us know!  Call one of our helpful moving experts at 800-968-1276 or leave a comment below.  We would love to help!